Guatemala Launches Foreign Direct Investment Strategy
The Government of Guatemala has unveiled the National Strategy for Attracting Foreign Direct Investment. The initiative aims to promote Guatemala as an attractive destination for foreign investors, consolidating its position as a leader in democratic transformation in the region.
Coordination and Implementation of the Strategy
The Ministry of Economy (Mineco) will be responsible for coordinating the execution of this strategy. Over the past seven years, technical investment teams from the private sector, international cooperation, and the public sector have collaborated to develop this strategy.
The strategy focuses on both traditional sectors with a track record of successful investment and more sophisticated sectors to enhance the country’s competitiveness. The sectors include:
- Processed food and beverages
- Apparel and textiles
- Information and communication technologies (ICTs)
- Business services
- Contact centers and BPOs
- Sophisticated Sectors
- Electrical-electronic
- Health services
- Biotechnology
- Medical devices and equipment
- Tourism
Prioritized Markets
In addition, Guatemala prioritizes markets with which it already has a strong commercial relationship, supported by 19 investment agreements and 14 Free Trade Agreements. The prioritized markets include:
- United States
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Spain
- South Korea
- Japan
- Taiwan
- India
- Germany
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
Comprehensive Support for Investors
The strategy includes providing comprehensive advice to investors interested in Guatemala. A team of trained professionals will assist companies at every stage of their investment process.
Additionally, Mineco provides information on simplified procedures through its website Asísehace.gt and other digital portals, such as:
- Single Window for Business Formalization
- Agile Construction Window
- Single Window for Exports
- Agile Window for Imports
- Single Window for Foreign Trade
- Softlanding and Aftercare Services
The strategy outlines softlanding and aftercare services to support the arrival of new investments and consolidate the growth of already established investments in the country.
Paúl Rodríguez
paul.rodriguez@garciabodan.com
Senior Associate
García & Bodán
Guatemala